The Town of New Paltz is conducting a community survey to determine what New Paltz residents consider as open space and historic preservation priorities for the community in the future. The survey is designed to explore protection of the community’s open spaces, recreational assets, habitats, farmland and historic features. It is the first step in updating the Town’s Open Space Plan, written in 2006, and integrating it with its inventory of historic landmarks and features.
The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewPaltzSurvey. Responses are due by April 30.
Planning for the survey began in recent months, led by the Environmental Conservation Board, Clean Water Open Space Preservation Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. Emergence of the coronavirus crisis has underscored the importance and value of New Paltz’s local parkland, open spaces and historic sites, which many residents are actively using amidst efforts at social-distancing. This survey will help the Town in planning for current and future needs.
“We are encouraging people to take this three-minute survey, to help inform the Town’s planning for the future protection and stewardship of the natural and historic features that define New Paltz’s unique character,” said New Paltz Town Supervisor Neil Bettez. “New Paltz has a good track record of protecting important places, but we know we need to do more to ensure that our most precious open spaces and historic properties are here for future generations. New Paltz residents have benefited in very tangible ways from our 2006 Open Space Plan, which focused attention on the places people value most in our community.”
The plan resulted in projects such as protection of the Taliaferro Farm, expansion of the Millbrook Preserve and the designation of the Mohonk Testimonial Gateway and Putt Corners Burial Ground as Town of New Paltz landmarks. It also helped inspire the River to Ridge Trail and the Empire Trail.
“The richness of New Paltz’s natural resources and historic/architectural features contribute to New Paltz’s small-town flavor, aesthetic beauty, sense of place and quality of life enjoyed by those who live, work or visit here,” said John Orfitelli, chair of the Town of New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission. “We are eager to create a plan that brings together a vision for our natural landscapes and built environment.”
For more information, call Kathy Preston at (845) 255-0604, extension 1.
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